TAXOL Reviews (PACLITAXEL)

Average Rating: 3.5 (99 Ratings)

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TAXOL  (PACLITAXEL):  Paclitaxel is used to treat various types of cancer. It is a cancer chemotherapy drug that works by slowing or stopping cancer cell growth.   FDA Approval Date: 1992-12-29 (Sources: U.S. Centers for Medicare Services, FDA)

  

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Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.)
5=HIGH (this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal.)

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RATING  REASONSIDE EFFECTS FOR TAXOLCOMMENTSSEXAGEDURATION/
DOSAGE
DATE ADDED
 
 4  breast cancer brittle, yellow nails, neuropathy in toes, cotton mouth, leg pain, leg cramps, no taste sense This drug helped shrink my tumor when A/C didn't. Being on it for 12 weeks has been tough. I'm hoping to recover fully from all the side effects. F 48 12 weeks
6/22/2009
 5  breast cancer fatigue I am on weekly taxol for twelve weeks, just finished my fourth. So far my only side effects are some fatigue after the decadron steroid wears off, and a little stomach acid so I avoid spicy foods. No hair loss yet, although I'm expecting it. No neuropathy or joint pain as others have described. No other side effects. I was on AC for four cycles before and it was horrible. Compared to that, this is a walk in the park! F 48 12 weeks
6/19/2009
 3  BC Stage 2 Took 12 weeks not too bad until 9th. Legs more stiff, numbness and tingling in hands and feet. Nail beds(feet&legs) very tender. 2 mos after Taxol, still experiencing tingling but not as bad. Nailbeds getting better .. now experiencing dizziness, loss of appetite along with the other side effects. Anyone else having problems with lightheadness? F 52 12 weeks
6/19/2009
 1  Breast Cancer I had a stage 2b breast cancer. Taxol resulted in an 8cm abscess in my lung. I had anemia. It was discussed on my second treatment if I should have a blood transfusion, and not have the second treatment at that time. I was given an injection of medication that was supposed to increase my red blood cells, and then given a taxol treatment directly after given the. I believe that this treatment resulted in the lung infection, for I had a low grade fever for several days following this treatment. Despite, complaints about feeling ill, treatments continued. Throughout the treatments I was developing pain in my feet and hands. I was told to take large quantities of vitamin B, which I tried. I developed peripheral neuropathy that continues to the present, 5 years after treatment ended. In fact, over time it got worse until finally I couldn't walk. I was told it wouldn't last but tests show I have no reflexes from my knees down. I finally was given neurontin, by a physiatrist, which w I think if I had a stage 4 breast cancer, I wouldn't be as angry about the resultant deterioration in my quality of life, and would have seen it as it as saving my life (many people have said "well it saved your life"). I know there were other ways to go, with regard to chemotherapy, which I only found out after the fact. I don't believe it was necessary for the stage of cancer I had, but would definitely not have felt that with a stage 4 cancer. I checked off dissatisfied but that was with regard to having a stage 2b breast cancer. I do understand that not everyone has these side effects, but for whatever reason I do, and thus the anger and frustration. F 62 2 months
6/6/2009
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 4  Metastatic Breast Cancer Severe itching sometimes, fingertips norm, fatigue, depression, digestion problem, severe gum sores and teeth sensitivity-can't chew my food and have to eat soups. I wish chemo drugs would target only the cancer cells and leave the normal immune cells alone. I can't believe with all the technology out there, the research and drug companies can tell the difference between cancer and non cancer cells and still can't treat only the cancer cells. I don't know what the deal is, but there's got to be a better way. This is just too much sufferings from side effects and sometimes I wonder if it's worth it. I have been told I have to be be on chemo for ever but I still hope not, and hope for the day they will announce a chemo that targets cancer cells and short on side effects. The taxol is helping to reduce the tumor count and skin lesions, I just wish the side effects are not affecting the quality of life as much as it is F 51 4 months
4/23/2009
 4  metaticized melanoma Fatigue and tingling in the hands and feet I am sure that taxol saved my life, but not alone. First I have a very intense astanga yoga practice helping to keep the numbess at bay and keeping my mind focused both inward and outward because of the asanas, breathing and inward focus. Second, I have a husband who is determined to keep me alive, and groown loving children. Third I team-teach in a high school theater arts program. Every day the kids inspire me to work and forget about myself. I also have friends who understand and love me. Taxol is a challenege and I wish I were not taking it. Yet I am vitally alive even on the many moments when I bemoan my "FATE." The other day I saw a ten-year-old boy using a walker to get to his seat with family at a restaurant. He had a sparkling Cheshire-cat grin with no attached cyniscm. I can stand on my hands and do a drop backbend, thanks to a wonderful and patient teacher. I believe this young man and I still have a lot to live for, and I hope someday those kept alive w F 57 18 months
1/21/2009
 5  Stage 1 Uterine cancer Hair Loss / temporary very mild neuropathy I began Taxol on a weekly basis (3 weeks on 1 week off) in Nov. 2008. Due to thinning I finally cut off my hair the middle of Jan. 2009 and went to a wig. I have not had any of the normal side effects - no nausea, fatigue, body aches. I work 32+ hrs. a week (75% on my feet)and have not missed a day of work. I take myself to and from treatments. My treatment effectiveness is being monitored by CT scans and CA125 blood tests for tumor markers. Both show my tumors are rapidly shrinking. I was determined not to let Taxol get the better of me. F 61 9 weeks
1/19/2009
 3  stage 1 breast cancer I got taxol weekly, and this reduced some of the side effects but I have nothing to compare it to in order to say "yes weekly is better". I would start feeling sick the day after i got it, and this sick feeling would last about 5 days, and then I would recover day 6 and 7, and then it was time for the next dose. I got severe fatigue that felt like a horrible flu, very serious weakness, digestion problems, acid reflux, diarrhea, lost menstrual cycles after 4 weeks, some mild tinging in toes and hands. Some itching. At the end, serious muscle and joint stiffness - that felt weird and annoying. A lot of taste distortion and lack of appetite sometimes. The very last two weeks, I also got nauseous, but did not take medication for this because of side FX... though later tried ativan and this worked. I also had a few nails that became loose on toes and fingers; one toenail turned purple. Red counts down but not white count. Hair loss and some body hair loss (legs) of course an I am about 4 months passed Taxol. It took me 2 full weeks to feel ... well, i cannot say better, but I would say "not sick", but there were other side effects that lingered until now -- fatigue being the worst one. the mild neuropathy only lasted a few weeks after completion but it showed up again in tiny spurts later - dr said this is part of the healing, and now I am OK in the respect. I still have acid reflux but this could be due to the herceptin that i still take. I also still had joint stiffness though it is improving. But this does not stop me from working out, i just feel creaky and stiff. *I got acupuncture every week during treatment and still get it*, and this has been proven to improve immune system and neuropathy. This could be why i did well in this respect. All in all, taxol felt like a very strange and awful virus. It was very hard to deal, with but it was worth it to know that it reduces chance of recurrence. I cannot say I am 'satisfied' because I w F 44 12 weeks
12/11/2008
 5  Stage IIIb ovarian cancer I began taxol and carboplatin following my surgeries, partial hysterectomy when cancer was found, then removal of my ovaries (both cancerous), debulking of largest tumors in the abdominal/chest cavity, and staging 3 weeks following my initial surgery.I took 6 treatments of taxol and carboplatin, I think every 5-6 weeks, and was in remission on PET scan upon completion of treatments.I did have problems with decreased white cells and had injections daily for 5-7 days following chemo to boost my white cells (which added more extreme bone pain).I took scheduled doses of Phenergan for 3-4 days following treatments to control nausea.I had flushed face, shoulders, and chest on the second day of treatment (which I was told was a side effect of the steroids given with treatment to prevent side effects of the chemo).On day 2 following the chemo I had severe bone and muscle pains and learned to take scheduled doses of Lortab the day of treatment for 3-4 days to keep pain under control.About 4 day Started just taxol 2 months later.The day of my 3rd treatment they discovered my heart rate was 144, treatments were stopped.I went through an extensive cardiac workup.Question if chemo caused the problem,I had never had trouble before.Treatments were resumed.I have now had 9 treatments/3 more to go.CA125 levels are 5-6.Have had no problems with low white cells just on taxol.Treatments 8&9 I have noticed worse side effects for longer period of time with bone, muscle, nerve pain.Also have extreme pain both knees,trouble walking after sitting for a prolonged period of time.Walking does seem to ease these problems but I still move slowly.I was a very on-the-go,energetic person before all this.My energy level is now zero.I find it difficult to accomplish half of what I used to.I work 37 hrs. a week, barely get through it & and take care of my pets.Have had a 50+ lb wt gain from the steroids with treatments,fluid retention.Have bouts of depression, back pain (have DJD but back pain F 54 15 months
11/10/2008
 3  Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer I had 6 months of Taxotere in 2007 and 5 months of Taxol with Avastin in 2008. My chest scans show improvement / my bone scans show stability. I have finger and toe tingling and numbness and pain in both significant shoulders and down my right arm. My main concern is the lack of strength in my arms and hands and increased fatigue that inhibits my daily function. I'm very frustrated with my Doc. as he suggegted I see my primary Doc. for the joint pain as if it has nothing to do with the drugs. Do Doctors hear what patients are telling them? The cost/benefit must be wieighed individually but to do this Doctors must listen to experienced patients and be honest with new patients. F 59 5 months
11/10/2008
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 3  metastic breast cancer fatigue, numbness in toes and fingers, off balance, sleeplessness, depression, headaches, some skin reactions tumor markers coming down, seems to be keeping cancer from spreading, however I am getting very frustrated on how (old) I feel. I am usually a very active person and my level of activity has diminished extremely. When do you take the chance of stopping something that seems to be working on the cancer, but making your quality of life seem less??? F 55 9 months
10/8/2008
 3  BC IIB Started taking taxol after AC treatment which almost killed me from low blood counts. Hospitalized for thirteen days. Thought taxol would be a walk in the park. WRONG!! After just two treatments I have no energy even just to walk around the house. I'm depressed and lathargic. I've had some pain but mostly just can't get going. I have a horrible taste in my mouth. All food tastes bitter. I'm scared this will last or get worse for the remainder of treatment. Dr's please consider the efficacy of these drugs as opposed to long term side effects. WE have the right to choose how we live all our lives. No one ever told me that the effects might be permanent. How can I make the right decisions for my life if I don't have all the info good and bad. F 61 2 days
9/11/2008
 4  Stage 2 Breast Cancer Numbness and tingling in hands and feet; Decreased attention and concentration, word-finding problems; Decreased balance; Sporadic fatigue; Rash on faced chest and upper arms for 48 hours following treatment; Sporadic headaches. Dehydration/dry mouth. Nowhere near as harsh as A/C, but has its own personality. I don't know if it's worked or not! Time will tell. My dose was 1X/week X 12 weeks -- I'm on week 9. F 45 9 weeks
8/31/2008
 1  Stage 4 Breast Cancer Numbness in feet and hands, joint pain, short term memory loss, confusion, can't add or subtract although I was a math whiz before Taxol. I was sick. After a year of being off Taxol, I still have numb feet and hands, confusion, no short term memory, can't talk many days, I feel like a complete idiot. Taxol was a high price to pay for my life. I am trying to get disability approval...I can not work, can not learn a new job, have no concept of money at all - although I worked with money (big money) all my life) how do you get on disability? F 51
6/5/2008
 5  Metastatic Bladder Cancer Following my diagnosis of metastatic bladder cancer to the bone of my neck and spine I was put on unlimited morphine & cycplatin & Gemzar. Lasted only one cycle on regime, Scans showed the cancer was progressing with treatment. Went on a 9 day bucket list cruise. Was put on Taxol & Gemzar. After the first treatment spent day 2 post treatment in bed with chills, fever & fatique. By day 5 fatique subsided. I am now 2-1/2 months into treatment. Side effects are predictable. Day 2,3,4 post treatment some fatique, loss of hair, including nasal lining, I always had osteoarthritis so I can not attribute joint & muscle pain to taxol. Taxol was prescibed as pallative, but I now am almost normal, scan show the cancer has stopped progressing and bone mass in regenerating. The results of Taxol have been nothing short of miraculous. Prior to treatment I required vicodin every three hours, I have reduced my pain medication to every 6 hours and often forget to take the drugs. Prior to Taxol I could not stand or sit erect for more than 15-20 minutes due to pain in neck and spine. I am now remodeling my home, washing cars and driving again. My diagnosis in Oct was terminal, but I now think I may again have a future. M 66 2.5 months
6/4/2008
 1  breast cancer It is nine months since my last taxol treatment. I had four treatments. After the third treatment, I noticed that I could hardly walk because I had lost my balance. It has not returned. I will never ski again. Nor dance or run. I am so sad. I used to be so active. I would not recommend this drug to anyone. A recent Canadian study said that taxol was not proven to be effective is women who had estrogen triggered breast cancer. My kind. I exercise very hard, but it seems like an uphill battle. This drug is horrible. I have tried the B vitamins and glutamine. I don't know if they helped. A neurologist said that taxol caused my severe balance problems and that it would probably not get better. F 61 2 days
4/15/2008
 5  stage 3 breast cancer I have been off taxol for 1 year.The right leg is inflammed and has spasms,with pain.Right down to the big toe.I used to enjoy dancing and I do,nt feel light on my feet.I won,t give up yet! Yes,I sat most of the year and I,m better than 6 months ago when I had to hold on to a shopping cart in the store and if i let go ,I couldn.t make it to the car.I take the super greens ,I eat lots of green salads,drink detox teas.Your bodies must become more alkaline than acidic.Acid foods cause joint pain right down to cancer.Meat,dairy,sugar,white flour,coffee ect.are to be eaten sparingly, if not at all! Try salads of spinich,other hearty greens ,avacado cucumber,lime juice.Don.t forget berries,cherries,strawberries.olive oil,nuts fish,omega oils,vitimins too. F 54 2 months
3/10/2008
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 4  breast cancer/neoadjuvant I'm tired on days 2,3 and a little on 4 after weekly treatment. I do work 40 hours a week and have a 1 1/2 year old. Other than fatigue I have a couple of days of body aches. Although I'm tired, I still need to take something to help me sleep through the night. I have 7 more weeks to go and my tumor has shrunk in half after 5 weeks. I take Advil for aches. No neuropathy so far. My hair started coming out and I cut it real short. I don't know yet if I'm going to lose it all on Taxol. I will on my next regimine. Oh well. F 37 5 weeks
3/6/2008
 1  Breast Cancer Lumpectomy on Jan. 18, 2008. Tumor was 3.0mm (large) had mammosite and 10 seeded radiation treatments in breast in 5 days. Then last week my first Taxol. I felt great for the first 2 days then WHAM. My first treatment and I hurt so bad I may stop. It's not worth it. I hurt in so many places I cannot even list. This drug is much harsher than I was told. My scalp throbs. My joints hurt. I have shooting pains all over. I don't think I am willing to become permanently crippled for the small risk improvement promised. F 64 4 days
2/25/2008
 3  Breast Cancer Went through taxol 1x a week for 12 weeks. My side effects were minimal at the time but then NERUOPATHY set in. Matter of fact I didn't recieve my last TX because of the numbness in my feet. I suppose since Taxol saved my life I have that to be thankful for ,but the side effects are devistating my neruopathy is getting worse as time goes on and im 5 months post chemo. I have had to change positions at my job to a desk job from a job that I was on my feet all day. The weekends suck cause I reep the repracutions of being on my feet all day all week long. Yes and Im 45 and feel like a 90 yr old woman. My quality of life sucks!!!! F 45 12 weeks
2/24/2008
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